By Amb. S. YASIR ABIOLA
For Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV
The newly reconstructed Divisional Police Station, Oke-Ila, Ado-Ekiti, was formally commissioned on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in an event that also marked the retirement of the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Falade Sesan Reuben, after 35 years of service to the Nigeria Police Force.
The ceremony, which commenced at 11:57 a.m., brought together senior police officers, community leaders, religious leaders, public figures and other stakeholders to celebrate both the commissioning of the facility and the retirement of the police officer. The opening prayer was jointly offered by the Divisional Command Imam and the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Among the dignitaries present were the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Nyatse Tanimu, Chief Nathaniel Aladesegun, CAN Chairman Dr. Emmanuel Aribasoye, Bishop Dr. Olorunsola Abayomi, JP, Rev. S.A. Bakari, Mr. Sunday Adunmo, Hon. Ehinafe Odunayo Bola, Dr. Alabi, Dr. Femi Olanipekun, Alhaji Shehu Maliki, as well as other senior police officers and community stakeholders.
CSP FALADE: βTODAY REPRESENTS A RENEWAL OF OUR COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTβ
In his welcome address, the retiring DPO, CSP Falade Sesan Reuben, expressed profound joy, gratitude and a deep sense of fulfilment as he welcomed guests to what he described as a historic occasion.
Speaking on behalf of the officers and men of Oke-Ila Division, CSP Falade thanked everyone for honouring the invitation, noting that the commissioning represented a renewal of the collective commitment to community safety and a stronger partnership between the police and the people they serve.
Recounting the journey behind the reconstruction, CSP Falade said that when he assumed duty as the Divisional Police Officer of Oke-Ila, he was confronted with the deplorable condition of the police station. He said the state of the facility was not befitting of a police division saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property and providing security to the community.
Rather than resign himself to the situation, the DPO said he regarded it as a responsibility to seek a lasting solution. He explained that he took it upon himself to mobilise members of the community, engage community leaders, individuals and other well-meaning stakeholders on the urgent need to rescue and rebuild the station.
According to him, the response from the people was encouraging, as the community embraced the initiative and demonstrated remarkable ownership of the project. With their support and cooperation, the old structure was demolished and the facility rebuilt, culminating in the new station commissioned during the ceremony.
CSP Falade further stressed that effective policing becomes stronger when there is a good relationship between the police and the people. He said the new facility also placed greater responsibility on the officers and men of the division to ensure that it is properly maintained.
He particularly appreciated Aare Afe Babalola for his support and efforts toward strengthening the police and boosting security within the community.
TRIBUTES TO A DEDICATED POLICE OFFICER
The goodwill messages at the ceremony centred on CSP Falade’s dedication to duty, his relationship with the people and the transformation recorded at the Oke-Ila Police Division during his tenure.
The secretary of the retired officer described CSP Falade as βone to be proud of,β while encouraging serving police officers to emulate his commitment and good service.
A well-wisher described the retiring officer as a police officer, gentleman and remarkable personality, noting that he was always ready to respond to the needs of the community, day and night. His responsible approach to duty, the well-wisher said, earned him the love of the people of Oke-Ila. He prayed that his later days would be brighter.
Dr. Femi Olanipekun described the occasion as a day of celebration and recognition of legacy, saying CSP Falade had provided a practical demonstration of what could be achieved through dedicated service. He commended his contribution to the development of a modern and befitting police station, his respect for the people and his determination to advance the facility beyond what he met.
Also speaking, Mr. Sunday Adunmo captured the transformation under CSP Falade’s leadership succinctly, saying: βHe came, he saw and he turned things around.β
The PCRC Chairman, Oke-Ila Division, Elder Akinola Michael, commended the retiring DPO for his dedication, professionalism and commitment to the safety and development of the community. He said CSP Falade had fulfilled his promise to leave Oke-Ila Police Division better than he met it, with the renovation of the station serving as a visible testament to his tenure.
Elder Akinola also appreciated the cordial relationship the DPO maintained with the PCRC and other community stakeholders, describing his contribution to peace and security as commendable. He wished him good health, long life, peace and fulfilment in retirement, while praying that his legacy of service would endure.
FROM POLICING TO A NEW CHAPTER
After the goodwill messages and other proceedings, the commissioning event concluded at approximately 1:45 p.m. The closing prayer was offered by the Divisional Command Imam and the Bishop.
The retirement reception for CSP Falade Sesan Reuben, who has served in the Nigeria Police Force since 1991, subsequently proceeded at Damlek Event Centre, where family members, colleagues, friends and community stakeholders continued the celebration of his years of service.
For the people of Oke-Ila, the occasion was more than a retirement ceremony. It was also a moment to recognise a period of service marked by community engagement, dedication to duty, collaboration with stakeholders and the physical transformation of the police facility entrusted to CSP Falade’s care.
Mature Minds Digital Radio & TV congratulates CSP Falade Sesan Reuben on his retirement and wishes him a peaceful and fulfilling new chapter of life.
